This sofa table is composed of the finest mahogany and craftsmanship avaialble in England at the time. Please note the plum pudding mahogany detail (see detail). Note that the top is crossbanded with rosewood, with a delicate line inlay between. This is similar with the drawers, of which all four are operational.
If the top is isn’t truly a tour de force, than the legs and their supports truly are. The fully carved acanthus leaves running down the leg are unusual, as these leaves are usually seen running only halfway down the saber and followed by a simple reeding terminating in their original lion’s paw brass casters. Instead of the legs being left plain on the sides, these have incised panels, also unusual. Between the legs, a beautiful rosette is carved on both sides of each leg.
When the leaf is closed, the table still exhibits all of its beauty. Structurally, the table is in fine condition, with its original support between the legs mounted under the drawers, giving great legroom and great function as a writing table. Placed freestanding, not against a sofa or a wall, a chair could be put on either side, as in a partner’s desk with functional drawers on either side. These are often called sofa tables, because they are usually pushed against a sofa with a lamp on top, etc. This table is one of the finest of the type, produced in England, during the first quarter of the 19th century.
Height: 28 1/2 in. Width: 32 in. – 5 ft. Depth: 31 1/2 in.